12 Comments

A 5.8 percent increase in taxes is high to me. If residential property values were going up then I would say the state of the economy must be doing well as people are secure about their future and making more money. But when they are dropping they add the burden to the commerical side and say they are doing well. Hmmm, I see a disconnect here. Government no matter in what form should be held accountable along with the politicians. Anytime the increase goes above the inflation rate the politicians had better be justifying why the increase and not selling me the idea that if the residential doesnt pay more the commercial will.

Mark,
The only reason I can think for the increase would be; even though home values are dropping, the cost of doing business for the City and County has continued to go up (increased fuel costs, huge increases in health care costs for employees, costs of materials, etc..).

If really sucks that our home values are dropping, but we still need the services like: Police/Fire, plowing, street repairs, social services and the rest provided by the City and County.

Mark..I agree with you. Anytime a tax hike goes above the inflation rate they better have a good reason. Look at ISD 709……they have raised the levy 22 percent in 3 years. We are being taxed out of our homes and businesses. Businesses will have no choice but to pass some of the costs to customers.

The state property tax has increased 35 percent over the past decade, imposing a ‘huge burden for Minnesota businesses’ and making the state uncompetitive with the rest of the nation. Businesses own 13 percent of the taxable value of property in the state but pay 30 percent of the state and local taxes collected on those lands and buildings. A sane person may argue making Minnesota’s commercial and industrial property taxes more competitive, particularly with surrounding states, would improve the state’s business climate and create more jobs in the long run.

Jim…..you want to improve the states business climate and create jobs? That’s foolish talk…The DFL controls the state and local government now….all of it. Did you hear Dayton wants another look at our environmental regulations? Will the last business person operating in the area please turn off the lights when you leave?

Here in Wisconsin all taxpayers saw a decrease in their property taxes thanks to Scott Walker’s reforms..I doubt you’ll see those types of reforms happen in Minnesota with the new Democratic majority. Instead, You’ll see Minnesota tax more and more. How much more? Just look at California. That’s where you’re headed in Minnesota